More Texas Child Abuse Claims Being Overturned

Texas is overturning far more cases in which Child Protective Services initially ruled that a child had been abused or neglected.

Each year the state overturns more than 1 out of 3 decisions challenged by people who CPS claims has mistreated a child. Twenty-seven percent of CPS rulings were reversed in 2009 but that number rose to 42 percent last year. More than 1,140 cases were appealed in 2013.

Even though a CPS ruling may be thrown out, the person accused of mistreatment can still face significant hurdles. For instance, CPS decisions are used in criminal and civil cases, and they are a factor in custody disputes.

But the Department of Family and Protective Services says there are no indications of systematic problems with its abuse investigations.